Arizona Elk Draw Odds and Tag Guide 2027

Arizona's elk draw operates on a bonus-point system where each point equals one additional random-number entry. The 2026 draw processed applications across 192 elk hunts, with resident odds ranging from extremely competitive early-season bull tags requiring 19 to 28 points for consistent success to late-season hunts drawing with 7 to 13 points. Nonresidents face a strict 10% permit cap across all draw passes, making competitive hunts even harder to draw. The 2027 application deadline is February 2, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Arizona time, based on Arizona Game & Fish Department event listings, though final regulations typically publish in early January.

How Does Arizona's Bonus Point System Work?

Arizona uses a bonus-point system, not a preference system. Each bonus point gives you one extra random-number entry in the draw. Your application receives one base entry plus one entry for each bonus point you hold. The system assigns a random number to each entry, and the lowest number on your application determines your draw order. This is fundamentally different from systems that square points or guarantee tags at a certain level.

The draw runs in three passes. The Bonus Point Pass allocates up to 20% of permits per hunt number to the highest-point applicants first, excluding zero-point applications. Pass 2 covers first and second choices for all point levels. Pass 3 handles third through fifth choices. Each pass assigns new random numbers, so an application unsuccessful in the Bonus Pass gets fresh chances in later passes. Zero-point applicants can draw in Passes 2 and 3 but not in the Bonus Pass.

Unsuccessful applicants earn one bonus point for that species after the draw. You can also buy a point-only application using hunt number 3000 for elk, which costs the base application fee of $13 for residents or $15 for nonresidents in 2026, plus any required license. Drawn applicants lose all their points for that species, though loyalty and hunter education bonus points persist if you continue applying.

Group applications of two to four people average the group's bonus points, rounding to the nearest whole number. Arizona adds loyalty bonus points after five consecutive years of valid applications for a species and one hunter education bonus point for completion of an approved course. Both count as group bonus points when applying together.

What Were the 2026 Elk Draw Odds?

The 2026 draw included 192 elk hunts statewide. Resident odds varied dramatically by hunt type and season. Early-season any-weapon bull hunts in September offered the lowest success rates. These hunts issued 20 to 40 permits each. Nonresident permits in these competitive hunts were limited to 2 to 4 tags each under the 10% cap.

Late-season bull hunts in late November and early December provided better odds with higher permit numbers. Hunts issuing several hundred permits showed resident odds in the single digits for consistent draw levels. December hunts showed similar patterns, with some falling below 10-to-1 resident odds.

Some mid-tier hunts balanced permit numbers and competition. September bull hunts with 10 to 25 permits required 19 to 28 bonus points for residents to draw consistently in recent years according to third-party analysis of official draw reports.

Key 2026 Hunt Statistics

2026 resident draw statistics from third-party compilation of official reports:

• Unit 27 bull, September 25-October 1: 40 permits, 36 resident, 4 nonresident, 25 points reported for consistent draw
• Unit 10 bull, September 25-October 1: 40 permits, 36 resident, 4 nonresident
• Unit 23 North bull, September 25-October 1: 25 permits, 23 resident, 2 nonresident, 28 points
• Unit 23 South bull, September 25-October 1: 10 permits, 9 resident, 1 nonresident, 28 points
• Unit 22 North bull, September 25-October 1: 25 permits, 23 resident, 2 nonresident, 19 points
• Unit 10 bull, November 27-December 3: 325 permits, 293 resident, 32 nonresident, 9 points
• Unit 22 North bull, November 27-December 3: 300 permits, 270 resident, 30 nonresident, 8 points
• Unit 22 North bull, December 4-10: 275 permits, 248 resident, 27 nonresident, 7 points
• Unit 23 bull, November 27-December 3: 210 permits, 189 resident, 21 nonresident, 13 points
• Unit 27 bull, November 27-December 3: 250 permits, 225 resident, 25 nonresident, 12 points
• Unit 27 bull, December 4-10: 250 permits, 225 resident, 25 nonresident, 10 points

These statistics come from third-party analysis of official AZGFD draw reports and should be confirmed against the 2026 official Elk and Pronghorn Draw Report PDFs available on the AZGFD website.

What Is the 10% Nonresident Cap?

Arizona limits nonresident elk permits to 10% of the total for each hunt number. This cap applies in the Bonus Point Pass and all subsequent passes. The 20% figure often mentioned refers to the share of permits per hunt reserved for the Bonus Point Pass itself, not the nonresident allocation. Official AZGFD draw process documentation and the 2026 hunt booklet both confirm the 10% nonresident cap, which means competitive resident hunts become even harder for out-of-state applicants.

Lifetime Arizona hunting license holders who moved out of state are exempt from this cap and compete in the resident draw. All other nonresidents face the 10% limit regardless of point totals. In hunts issuing fewer than 10 permits, the nonresident share rounds to at least one tag where mathematically possible, but the cap still applies proportionally.

For planning 2027 applications, nonresident hunters should focus on hunts with higher permit numbers where the 10% cap translates to more available tags. Early-season bull hunts with 20 to 40 permits offer only 2 to 4 nonresident tags, creating extremely long odds even for high-point applicants. Late-season hunts issuing 325 permits provide 32 nonresident opportunities, improving draw chances significantly.

How Should You Build Bonus Points for Arizona Elk?

Building points in Arizona requires patience and realistic expectations. The bonus-point system does not guarantee success at any level since every draw uses random numbers. Higher points improve your odds but never eliminate randomness. Residents applying for early-season bull tags in premium units should expect to accumulate 20 or more points before seeing consistent draw success based on 2026 data. Late-season hunts remain accessible in the 7 to 13 point range for residents.

Buy a point-only application each year if you're not ready to hunt or want to avoid burning points on a less desirable hunt. Hunt number 3000 for elk costs only the application fee plus any required license in 2026. This builds your point total without competing for actual permits. Alternatively, apply for a hunt you would accept if drawn and earn a point if unsuccessful.

What Hunt Types Offer Realistic Draw Chances?

Consider applying for hunts with higher permit numbers and later season dates while building points. Late-season hunts may not provide peak rut activity or easy conditions, but they're realistic targets for applicants with moderate point totals. Antlerless elk hunts in some units draw with far fewer points but check unit-specific regulations and access before applying.

Group applications average bonus points across all members, which can help applicants with different point levels draw together. This strategy works best when all members want the same hunt and understand that drawing means everyone in the group loses their points.

Loyalty and hunter education bonus points add to your total but accumulate separately. Complete an approved hunter education course to earn one permanent bonus point. Apply every year for five consecutive years to earn one loyalty point, which persists even after you draw as long as you continue applying annually for that species.

What Are the 2027 Application Dates and Fees?

The 2027 elk and pronghorn draw deadline is February 2, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Arizona time according to Arizona Game & Fish Department event listings. This date should be confirmed in early January 2027 when the official hunt draw booklet publishes. Applications open in early February, and AZGFD typically releases the booklet and regulations in January, giving hunters about one month to research hunts and submit applications.

You must hold a valid Arizona hunting or combination license at the time of application and on the deadline date. Short-term combo licenses do not qualify. Purchase your license before applying to ensure eligibility. Arizona charges at the time of draw, not application, so a declined credit card means your application was not drawn. Results typically release in late February, roughly three weeks after the deadline.

2026 elk fees (2027 fees unconfirmed until booklet release):

• Resident elk permit-tag: $148 (includes $13 application fee)
• Nonresident elk permit-tag: $665 (includes $15 application fee)
• Bonus point only (hunt 3000): $13 resident, $15 nonresident
• General hunting license: $37 resident
• Combination hunt and fish license: $57 resident, $160 nonresident
• PointGuard (optional): $10 per species per applicant (non-refundable)

PointGuard is an optional insurance product that refunds your bonus points if you draw a tag but cannot hunt due to specific covered circumstances. The $10 fee is non-refundable even if you don't draw. Evaluate whether this coverage fits your situation before purchasing.

Leftover elk permits become available after the draw on a first-come basis. In 2026, online and mail acceptance began March 16, with in-person office sales starting March 23. These permits sell quickly for desirable hunts. Check the AZGFD Big Game Draw page for the 2027 leftover list and sale dates, which are not yet published.

How Do Passes and Choices Work?

Arizona allows up to five hunt choices per application. The system processes these choices across three passes, assigning new random numbers in each pass. Understanding how passes interact with your choices improves your application strategy.

Pass 1 (Bonus Point Pass): Allocates up to 20% of each hunt's permits to applicants with bonus points, excluding zero-point applications. This pass uses the highest-point applicants first within random-number order. Only first-choice applications compete here. If you list a hunt as your second through fifth choice, it will not enter the Bonus Pass even if you have significant points.

Pass 2 (1st and 2nd Choice): Includes all applicants with any point level, including zero points. Your first-choice hunt competes again here if you did not draw in Pass 1. Your second-choice hunt also enters Pass 2. Both choices receive new random numbers. Unsuccessful applicants from Pass 1 do not carry over random numbers.

Pass 3 (3rd, 4th, 5th Choice): Processes your third, fourth, and fifth choices with fresh random numbers for each. By this pass, many high-demand hunts are filled, but less competitive hunts and leftover permits remain available.

Strategically, place your dream hunt as your first choice even if odds are long, since only first choices enter the Bonus Pass. Use your second through fifth choices for hunts with better odds or later seasons where you'd still be willing to hunt. Avoid listing hunts you wouldn't accept, as drawing any choice means losing all your points for elk.

Group applications follow the same pass structure but must list identical hunt choices. All group members draw together or fail together in each pass. The average group bonus point total determines the group's entries, and all members lose points if the group draws.

Which Units Offer the Best Value for Point Levels?

Unit selection depends on your point total, resident or nonresident status, hunt timing preferences, and access requirements. Early-season bull hunts in September provide peak rut hunting but carry the longest odds. Late-season November and December hunts offer better draw chances with colder weather and potentially snow-covered terrain.

For residents with moderate point totals, target late-season hunts where permit numbers are higher. Success rates and herd health vary by unit, so research each area's recent harvest data and public land access before applying.

Residents holding 20 or more points can apply for premium early-season bull tags, though even high point totals don't guarantee success due to random-number assignment. These hunts occur during peak rut activity but demand significant point investment and patience.

Nonresidents face tougher odds across all hunts due to the 10% cap. Focus on hunts with the highest total permit numbers to maximize your nonresident allocation. Even with high points, expect long waits due to limited nonresident permit availability.

Access and Special Hunt Area Regulations

Some units include restricted access areas. Hopi Trust lands in Units 4A, 5A, and 5B require written permission from landowners. Camp Navajo in Unit 6B and Fort Huachuca in Unit 35A have military installation access rules. Research access requirements for any unit before applying to avoid drawing a tag you cannot effectively use.

Over-the-counter nonpermit elk tags are available in certain hunt areas, but Arizona Game & Fish explicitly states that "success is expected to be very low" for these tags. Elk numbers in OTC areas are minimal, and the tag does not include a permit for any specific hunt. Consider OTC tags only if you hunt primarily for the experience rather than harvest expectations.

What Happens After You Draw?

Drawing an elk permit in Arizona means losing all your bonus points for elk. Your tag is valid for the specific hunt number, unit, weapon, and dates on your permit. Arizona enforces a one-elk-per-calendar-year bag limit, so drawing and filling a tag ends your elk hunting in the state for that year. Tags are non-transferable and non-refundable under normal circumstances.

Check your draw results through your AZGFD online account in late February. Results are not mailed or emailed; you must log in to view your status and download your permit if successful. Unsuccessful applicants receive one bonus point for elk, which appears in your account after results post. Payment processes only for successful applicants, so monitor your credit card for the tag charge as confirmation of a draw.

Leftover permits from the draw go on sale in mid-March. These tags are first-come, first-served online, by mail, and at AZGFD offices. Desirable hunts sell within hours or minutes. Set up your AZGFD account in advance, verify your payment method, and be ready at the sale start time if you plan to purchase a leftover.

Successful applicants must follow all hunt regulations including weapon restrictions, hunt area boundaries, and reporting requirements. Arizona requires trail camera images and data not be used to take or locate wildlife, a stricter rule than in some neighboring states. Review the full hunt regulations booklet before your hunt to avoid violations that could result in fines or license suspension.

If you cannot hunt after drawing, Arizona does not offer a refund or point restoration under normal circumstances. PointGuard insurance, if purchased at application time, covers specific situations like medical emergencies or military deployment. Read the PointGuard terms carefully before buying to understand what circumstances qualify for point restoration.

Plan Your Arizona Elk 2027 Hunt With TAGZ

TAGZ helps western hunters research draw systems, compare units, and track application deadlines across multiple states. Arizona's bonus-point system and three-pass structure require careful hunt selection and realistic point-level expectations. TAGZ organizes draw odds, permit numbers, and point trends in one place so you can evaluate which hunts match your point total and hunting goals. Compare draw strategies and point requirements across western states before the February deadline.

Stop guessing. Start planning with TAGZ. Track your bonus points, compare resident and nonresident odds across Arizona's elk hunts, and set reminders for application deadlines. TAGZ does not predict draw outcomes or guarantee tags, but it centralizes the research you need to apply strategically. Build your 2027 application based on verified data, not guesses, and make informed decisions about where your points give you realistic chances.

Official Arizona Hunting Sources

• Arizona Game & Fish Bonus Point Process
• Arizona Game & Fish Draw Process
• Arizona Big Game Draw (Main Page)
• 2026 Elk and Pronghorn Draw Results Announcement

Last verified: October 22, 2026. All statistics and odds in this article reflect the 2026 draw and 2026 fee schedule. The 2027 Pronghorn and Elk Hunt Draw Information booklet was not yet published at verification time, so 2027 permit numbers, season dates, and fees are unconfirmed. The February 2, 2027 application deadline comes from an AZGFD-organized event listing and should be confirmed when the official booklet releases in early January 2027. Nonresident draw odds and point levels for individual hunts in 2026 are derived from third-party analysis of official AZGFD reports and should be cross-checked against the official Bonus Point Report and Draw Report PDFs on the AZGFD website. Verify all application requirements, fees, and deadlines directly with Arizona Game & Fish before applying.

FAQ — Arizona Elk Draw

How many bonus points do I need to draw a decent Arizona elk tag?

Late-season bull hunts drew consistently in the 7 to 13 bonus point range for residents in 2026. Early-season September bull tags required 19 to 28 points based on recent draw data. These are rough estimates, not guarantees, since Arizona's system uses random numbers even at high point levels.

Does Arizona square bonus points like Nevada?

No. Arizona's bonus-point system is linear. Each bonus point gives you one additional random-number entry in the draw, plus your base application entry. Your total entries equal one plus your bonus points (plus any loyalty or hunter education points). Nevada squares points; Arizona does not.

What is the nonresident cap for Arizona elk?

Nonresidents are limited to 10% of the permits for each hunt number. This cap applies in all draw passes, including the Bonus Point Pass. Lifetime license holders who moved out of state are exempt from the 10% cap and compete as residents. The 20% figure often mentioned refers to the share of permits allocated to the Bonus Point Pass, not the nonresident share.

Can I draw an Arizona elk tag with zero bonus points?

Yes. Zero-point applicants are excluded from the Bonus Point Pass but compete in Passes 2 and 3 for first through fifth choice hunts. Many late-season hunts and antlerless tags draw with zero points in less competitive units. Random-number luck plays a larger role for zero-point applicants, but draws happen.

When do 2027 Arizona elk draw results come out?

Results typically release in late February, about three weeks after the application deadline. The 2026 draw closed February 3 and posted results February 23. For 2027, expect results in late February if the February 2 deadline holds. Results are only available through your AZGFD online account, not by mail or email.